Iran weigh World Cup withdrawal as government sets conditions for participation

A surprising shift has emerged in the stance of Iran national football team regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with officials now openly suggesting that participation is no longer guaranteed.

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Doniamale, revealed that the country’s involvement in the tournament will depend on key conditions being met, particularly around security and political tensions involving one of the host nations, the United States.

In comments to Corriere dello Sport, Doniamale made it clear that the final decision lies beyond the football federation.

“Our job is to prepare the team and organise the camps and training sessions. Given the situation, the final decision rests with the government,” he said.

He outlined two primary requirements for Iran’s participation, stating, “If the conditions will guarantee the safety of our players and if the host country stops its provocations, we will participate in the World Cup.”

Despite the uncertainty, preparations on the sporting side continue. The national team has already begun a mini training camp in Tehran involving locally based players, signalling an effort to maintain readiness while political discussions unfold.

Plans are also in place for an overseas training camp, with players expected to travel on May 21 to a nearby country for a short preparation period lasting between seven and eight days.

Doniamale also directed criticism at global sporting authorities, including FIFA, accusing them of failing to respond to what he described as provocations.

“With this situation and these actions from the host country, any other country would have been deprived not only of the World Cup, but even of the Olympic Games for the next two years,” he said.

He added, “Unfortunately, international institutions remain silent in the face of these events, and we are trying, through sports diplomacy at least, to obtain a condemnation.”

Despite the strong rhetoric, the minister emphasised that participation in the tournament remains the preferred outcome.

“I hope that sports will be first and foremost in the service of the stadium. Our priority now is competition.”

He concluded by reaffirming broader ambitions beyond the World Cup, noting that Iran aims to continue developing its sporting profile both regionally and globally, with the ultimate goal of raising the nation’s flag and bringing pride to its people.